When a priceless painting is stolen in a museum heist, Morgan and Karadec team up with an art-recovery expert to unravel a tangled case and fierce ownership battle. Meanwhile, Soto is determined to uncover the secrets hidden inside Roman's backpack.
Morgan isn't thrilled by the case Wagner assigns to her and Karadec. She doesn't see how a stolen painting qualifies as a major case. She notes how the painting stolen from the museum wasn't even the most expensive on display. A reason to be invested is only given by the conclusion of the episode. Karadec says that somewhat sarcastically. The unit typically investigates murders. One eventually occurs. The audience doesn't have any particular insight into that twist though. The entire episode is just pure set up. It establishes expectations. It doesn't do much to keep the narrative entertaining while its spinning its wheels. That's somewhat insane to say in an hour featuring an extensive car chase. It's true nevertheless. It's meant to push Morgan closer to her breaking point. Not enough progress occurs especially as it pertains to the characters and what's actually motivating them. It's nothing more than a collection of plot details jumbled together instead of a narrative rewarding the audience for paying attention and investing in what comes next.
Additionally, Morgan is frustrated by having to work alongside Rhys, an art recovery specialist. He was hired by an insurance company to track down the missing painting so they don't have to pay out a settlement. Morgan is inherently cynical. She's the only person in the room who acts with any sense of empathy upon hearing the painting was previously stolen from its Polish owners by Nazi invaders. The true heirs haven't been successful in getting their claims heard and respected. Morgan identifies them as victims too. Karadec only wants to treat them as suspects. They have personal motivation for obtaining this piece of art. It's not about the money. It's focused on the sentiment attached. The grandson even carries the specific set of skills seemingly required to pull off the heist. It all lines up perfectly. It's a little too convenient. That's possibly why Morgan doesn't invest too much in that possible link. It's still odd for her to dismiss the theory so completely.
It's all building until Morgan realizes Rhys is potentially the famed art thief rumored to have stolen countless pieces over the last decade. That possibility was introduced and then quickly dismissed. The team had a potential suspect. One they could chase down. They chose not to do so. Rhys made himself seem essential enough to be trusted. He and Morgan were positioned as outsiders. It's dangerous for them to go off on their own. Wagner essentially throws a tantrum because he doesn't know where his people are. He demands to know all of their locations at every single moment. He's defined by a bunch of contradictions though. He deduces the team is keeping him away from the Roman investigation. He requires loyalty. He's also reckless in how he conducts the car chase. Karadec is as well. It's silly for him to not see the bigger picture when a car is being stolen. It's a way to lure the police out of hiding. He falls into the trap. It's ridiculous. Karadec really only works as a partner to Morgan. Outside of that, he doesn't have much utility whatsoever.
None of this is resolved either. The show establishes its latest multi-episode arc. Now, Rhys is presented as the master criminal trying to stay ahead of Morgan's perception and intellect. She only realized it upon seeing he had a gunshot wound on his back. She was seduced by the danger. It's possibly too late when she realizes where she is. She's saved by Karadec's call. That's a relief. The show also tries to set up an equally ambiguous end for Arthur. He fears he is being followed. Soto promises to make progress deciphering the clues from Roman's backpack. She runs into dead-ends. The police are apparently missing something. It's obvious for the criminal hunting Roman and tracking Arthur. The casting of John Pyper-Ferguson from Suits and The Last Ship is notable. It's still completely empty. Ava's frustration over a lack of answers is understandable. Every episode she asks for an update. Promises are made but they aren't kept unfortunately.
